Shmyhal: Ukraine interested in Israel's experience in encouraging investments in innovation

"Ukraine is interested in exchanging experience and studying Israel's practice of state support for such areas as the development of advanced technologies, commercialization of scientific research, creation of startups, and encouragement of investments in innovation,"  Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said in the video address at the opening of the Ukrainian Israeli Innovation Summit 2021, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

According to him, there is another important area in which the cooperation between the two countries is already ongoing: information and advanced technologies. The Prime Minister believes that this area has a significant potential for the development and expansion of further cooperation and implementation of joint promising projects.

Shmyhal also recalled that this year two countries celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic friendship, cooperation, and mutual support. "For 30 years of cooperation, we have many achievements. We hope that more joint projects will be implemented further, including due to the Ukrainian Israeli Innovation Summit which gathers opinion leaders and high-level professionals in various spheres," he emphasized.

"I’m glad to note that the Ukrainian–Israeli forum becomes a platform that promotes the establishment of ties and provides opportunities for the exchange of experience. This is a professional field in which every acquaintance has the potential of efficient long-term international projects," the Head of Government added.

Ukraine’s strategic significance for Israel is very high. This is the only country in the post-Soviet space having a very effective partnership with Israel, Ambassador of Israel to Ukraine Michael Brodsky said at the summit.

"Ukraine is a unique country and is of unique significance to Israel because Ukraine's strategic importance is very high. First, we can note the food sector. You know that we import wheat, and this import accounts for about half of all wheat imports to Israel. I want to point out cooperation in IT sector, it is also very important. We order a lot of outsourcing services from Ukraine," the diplomat said.

Brodsky added that Ukraine is the only country in the post-Soviet space that has a very effective partnership with Israel. In particular, the Ambassador mentioned the launch of a trade agreement in the IT and financial sector with Ukraine.

As reported, Ambassador Brodsky said in October that Ukraine and Israel would start negotiations on the conclusion of an agreement on free trade in services next year.

The 4th Ukrainian Israeli Innovation Summit kicked off in Kyiv on December 15. This year, the event is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of friendship and innovative prospects for cooperation between Ukraine and Israel.

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